Nicosia HUB-IN_ copyright Municipality of Nicosia
A new roadmap will help safeguard the historic Cypriot heritage, while promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
Nicosia is a walled city located approximately at the geographic center of Cyprus. The city is rich in art, culture, and architecture, with museums, galleries, shops, bars, and restaurants, nestled in narrow alleys.
Following the Turkish invasion in 1974, Nicosia is the last divided capital of Europe. Since then, a significant percentage of derelict and empty buildings, as well as underused plots, are reducing the attractiveness of its historic urban area. The municipality, in addition to providing services in a sustainable manner, aims to enhance the well-being and life of residents and visitors, by promoting social and economic development. An important goal is the promotion of urban transformation through innovation and entrepreneurship, respecting local culture as well as social and environmental values. Nicosia is currently open for investment, indeed, with great new urban projects being completed, significant funding for public upgrades in the commercial core, and a growing internal economy.
SYNERGIES AND CITIZENS’ INVOLVEMENT TO BRING NICOSIA BACK TO LIFE
Once the economic crisis of 2013 and the COVID-19 pandemic have been overcome, it is time for Nicosia to have a fast-forward outlook towards a more sustainable and inclusive future of the historic urban area within the walls.
The roadmap guiding the regeneration of the historic urban area is the result of co-creation and co-design work conducted in the framework of the HUB-IN project. A series of interviews and workshops were organised between October 2020 and May 2022, revealing Nicosia municipality’s vision of development. The results pointed out the relevant issues the historical area is facing, as well as ideas to overcome these. Close cooperation between citizens and stakeholders – above all the research center CYENS Centre of Excellence – was of decisive importance in the design process and will play an essential role in bringing the strategy to life.
According to the survey, Nicosians wish for more green spaces, better conservation of buildings, more affordable housing and rentals, and an improved sense of belonging. They would like to bring back the vibrant cultural vibe of the past and give space to youth, craftsmanship, and the creative industry. They ask for more cultural events, museums, independent creative businesses, designer shops, and craft shops. Citizens hope that Nicosia HUB will bring more employment opportunities, as well as attract younger populations to live in the centre and increase the liveability of the area.
NICOSIA HUB: DEVELOPING A FUTURE-PROOF CITY
Through the HUB-IN project, the municipality aims to interconnect existing developments and initiatives, enhancing their performance and impact via the implementation of an integrated strategy to stimulate culture, sustainability, and innovation.
To reach its potential, the walled city center needs to undergo a process of urban transformation and heritage-led regeneration by fighting neglect and abandonment. The goal is to turn it into a people-centric, revitalised, vibrant destination, home to a range of innovative and creative entrepreneurs, where the community thrives.
Nicosia HUB will become the umbrella to connect and highlight the strong elements of the historic center within the walls, with no specific physical location since several hubs are already present/being developed. A digital, publicly accessible, and user-friendly platform will be developed to access and keep active all the elements of the HUB-IN project (innovation spaces, cultural assets, and other relevant locations).
To align and connect heritage, culture, community, and memories, Nicosia HUB strives to achieve the three following missions:
Mission 1: The Hood | Establish a strong and inclusive neighbourhood: improving the local experience and creating a sense of belonging:
- Promote the creation of a “Greener Nicosia” by improving public green spaces and access – where possible – to yards/roofs and other unknown spaces within the urban fabric.
- Develop a new sustainable way to navigate the historic urban area more effectively, by reframing the narrative around urban mobility and especially soft mobility.
Mission 2: The Platform | Establish a user-friendly platform to serve as an umbrella and a bridge within the city center:
- Provide opportunities to allow for proximity services (e.g., pharmacies, mini kiosks, doctors, etc.) to be closer to residents and improve the quality of life within the historic urban area.
- Digitalise the city center by contributing to the development of a Nicosia digital twin to make it more inclusive and complete.
Mission 3: Activations | Establish a strong mechanism of historic urban area to be welcoming, transparent, and measurable for all:
- Develop a programme to promote the integration of heritage and innovation by fostering the upscaling and upskilling of traditional activities and promoting the connection of the material and immaterial heritage with current and future needs.
- Develop a programme to collaborate with city ambassadors to serve as the mediators between the brand strategy, strategic plans, and citizen’s voice.
Click here to find out more on the roadmap that sets concrete actions aiming at making Nicosia the powerhouse of culture and innovation-led transformations, and at the same time safeguarding, transmitting, and promoting the historic memory of Cyprus.
